KR100374961B1 - Internet telephone adaptor apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an Internet telephony apparatus installed between a computer and an analog telephone, so that an internet telephone call can be implemented using an analog telephone. A first call path for transmitting and receiving a voice signal of a; A second call path for transmitting and receiving a voice signal with an analog telephone; It is provided between the first call path and the second call path, and converts and outputs the audio signal from the analog phone into the voice input signal to the personal computer, and converts the voice signal from the personal computer into the voice input signal to the analog phone. A signal converter for outputting; A third call path connectable to an external public telephone network; Connection switching means for switching the connection between the second call path and the third call path and the connection between the first call path and the second call path; A ring signal detector for detecting a ring signal from a public telephone network on a third call path; Alarm generating means for generating an alarm in accordance with a detection result of the ring signal detection unit; Detection driving means for making an operation of the ring signal detection unit in one of an active state and an inactive state according to a call transfer state of the connection switching means; Internet dial-up device comprising a standby signal tone generating means for generating a standby tone on the third call path according to the user's selection when a ring signal is detected by the ring signal detector at the time of connection between the first call path and the second call path Implement

Description

Internet Dialer {INTERNET TELEPHONE ADAPTOR APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to a data communication system, and more particularly, is installed between a terminal device for accessing an internet network such as a computer and an analog telephone, and through a telephone call and an internet network through a public telephone network (PSTN) using an analog telephone. The present invention relates to an internet telephony connection device that enables a telephone call.

With the recent spread of telephone services over the Internet, international telephone services can be used free of charge or at local call rates.

The concept of dial-up through such a conventional Internet network and a public telephone network (PSTN) is shown in FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a multi-user environment incorporating an analog telephone line system as including a data network such as the Internet network.

In the figure, three user configurations are disclosed, wherein user 1 and user 2 are provided with computers 10a and 10b and headsets 12a and 12b independently of analog phones 14a and 14b. Only the analog telephone 14c is provided.

That is, the user 1 is a telephone line for connection to a computer 10a provided with a headset 12a and a speaker 13a for voice communication via an internet network, and an Internet service provider (ISP) 18a. Line L1 such as a dedicated line LAN is included. The Internet service provider 18a allows user 1 to access the internet network L2. User 1 also has an analog telephone 14a which is connected to telephone line L4 for a standard telephone network connection with another user via a public telephone network (PSTN) 16.

The user 2 configuration is similar to the configuration of user 1, and the telephone line for connection to the computer 10b provided with the headset 12b and speaker 13b for voice communication via the Internet network and the Internet service provider (ISP) 18b. Or a line L3 such as a dedicated line. The internet service provider 18b allows the user 2 to access the internet network L2. User 2 also has a normal telephone 14b which is connected to telephone line L6 for a standard telephone network connection with another user via a public telephone network (PSTN) 16.

User 3 has an analog telephone 14c connected via a telephone line L5 only to a public telephone network 16 which does not allow internet telephone calls.

In addition, in order to enable the user 1 or user 2 who can make an Internet phone call to communicate with the user 3 who is not able to make an Internet phone call using the Internet network, the ISP (18), 18b, line (L7), digital Internet telephone call service is provided to analog telephones 14a to 14c via a public telephone network (PSTN) 16 via a gateway (Digital GateWay (DGW)) 17 and a line L8.

As can be seen from the configuration of Fig. 1, user 1 makes a call with user 2 from his computer 10a via user's computer 10b via internet network L2, or with internet network L2. Call the user 2 and the user 3 via the analog telephones 14b and 14c of the user 2 and the user 3 via the line L7, the digital gateway 17, the line L8, and the public telephone network 16, respectively. Can be.

Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic connection configuration of the computer 10 and the headset 12 shown in FIG. 1 is disclosed. The sound card (S / C) 20 installed in the computer is connected to the headset 12 via the line LH. Here, generally, the line LH is connected to an audio output terminal (for example, a speaker output terminal) and an audio input terminal (for example, a microphone input terminal) of the sound card 20. In addition, the computer 10 may include a modem card (M / C) for connecting to an Internet service provider (ISP) via a telephone line (PL) or a LAN card for connecting to an Internet service provider (ISP) via a dedicated line (LAN) ( And an external communication device 22 composed of LAN / C.

As described above, in order to make a voice call through the Internet, it is inconvenient to wear a headset while talking on the head. That is, there is a problem such as the hassle of attaching and detaching the headset during a call, damage to the user's hairstyle when attaching or detaching the headset, or pressing the head of the user when wearing the headset. Also, in an office environment, a headset connected to a computer and an analog phone connected to a telephone line are placed on a table, and during a general telephone call, a user must hold a handset of the telephone and make a call while wearing a headset for an internet call. . In addition, it is difficult to arrange the analog telephone and the headset well on the table due to the shape of the headset.

In addition, in recent years, Internet telephones, which are configured in the form of ordinary telephones and which can be connected to personal computers and make calls through the Internet network or through public telephone network (PSTN), have been developed. If you use an internet phone, you have to throw away the old analog phone, which causes environmental problems.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems of the prior art, a terminal device capable of accessing an internet network such that an internet telephone call can be implemented through a terminal device that can access an internet network such as a computer using an analog telephone. Its purpose is to provide an internet telephony connection between an analog telephone and an analog telephone.

1 is a diagram illustrating the concept of a telephone connection through a conventional Internet network and a public telephone network.

2 is a block diagram of a personal computer and a headset for a conventional Internet telephone.

3 is a conceptual diagram of an Internet telephone access apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the Internet telephone access apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a modification of the Internet telephone connection apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing another example of the Internet telephone access apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a modification of the Internet telephone connection apparatus shown in FIG.

8 is a block diagram of an Internet telephone access apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an Internet telephone connection apparatus according to the present invention.

Fig. 10 is a view showing an Internet telephone connection apparatus according to the present invention installed in an office environment.

<Description of Major Symbols in Drawing>

10: personal computer 14: analog telephone

20: sound card 22: external communication device

100,200: Internet phone connection device 120: switch unit

130: signal conversion unit 160: power supply unit

162: rectifier circuit section 164: charging circuit section

122: relay 132: ring signal detection unit

134: control unit 136: alarm signal generating unit

137: alarm element 138: standby signal generator

139: signal mixing circuit

In order to achieve the above object, the Internet telephone connection apparatus of the present invention is a telephone connection apparatus that can be connected to a personal computer that can be dialed through a web server of the Internet network and that can be connected to an analog telephone. A first call path for transmitting and receiving a voice signal with the personal computer at the time of Internet telephone connection; A second call path for transmitting and receiving a voice signal with the analog telephone; It is provided between the first call path and the second call path, and converts and outputs a voice signal from the analog telephone into a voice input signal to the personal computer, and outputs a voice signal from the personal computer to the analog telephone. A signal converter converting the voice input signal and outputting the voice input signal; A third call path connectable to an external public telephone network; Connection switching means for switching the connection between the second call path and the third call path and the connection between the first call path and the second call path; A ring signal detector for detecting a ring signal from a public telephone network on the third call path; Alarm generating means for generating an alarm in accordance with a detection result of the ring signal detector; Detection driving means for making the ring signal detection unit operate in one of an active state and an inactive state according to a call transfer state of the connection switching means; And a standby signal tone generating means for generating a standby tone on the third call path according to a user's selection when a ring signal is detected by the ring signal detector when the first call path is connected to the second call path. It is composed.

Here, the terminal device is preferably a personal computer that can be dialed through a web server of the Internet network.

Hereinafter, an Internet telephone access apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

3 is a conceptual diagram of an Internet telephone access apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the Internet telephony connection device 100 of the present invention is applied to a personal computer 10 including a LAN card (LAN / C) 22L in order to connect to the Internet network via a LAN. The connection device 100 is connected to the analog telephone 14, the sound card (S / C) 20 of the computer 10, and the telephone line PL, respectively. In addition, the connecting device is configured to be connected to the speaker SP and the microphone MC as required by the user.

An example of the block configuration for the Internet telephony connection 100 of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

The connection device 100A includes a first connector 110 connected to a telephone line of an analog telephone 14 and a second connector 140 connected to a sound card S / C of a computer via lines La and Lb. ), A third connector 150 connected to an external telephone line PL, and a connector that can be connected to the speaker SP and the microphone MC through lines Ls and Lm, respectively, according to a user's needs. It contains 175. Here, the line La and the line Lb connected to the second connector 140 are connected to an audio output terminal (for example, speaker output terminal) and an audio input terminal (for example speaker input terminal) of the sound card, respectively.

In addition, the apparatus 100A includes a switch unit 120 for switching between an Internet call path through a computer and a general telephone call path through a public telephone network, and when the Internet call path is set by the switch unit 120. A signal for converting a voice signal from the analog telephone 14 into an input signal of the sound card S / C, and converting a voice signal from the sound card S / C into a voice input signal to the analog telephone 14. The conversion unit 130 is included. Here, the signal converter 130 also performs functions such as impedance matching and signal amplification.

When the user wants to make a call through the Internet network, the user switches the button or slide switch (SW; FIG. 9) installed on the exterior of the apparatus 100A to the Internet-phone mode (see FIG. 9). The switch unit 120 connects the connection lines Lg and Lh with the analog telephone 14 to the connection lines Lc and Ld with the signal conversion unit 130. Accordingly, a call path of the Internet network is formed from the analog telephone 14 to the switch unit 120, the signal conversion unit 130, and the sound card S / C of the computer. Here, the user can access a web server providing an internet phone service through a computer and make an internet phone call with the other party through a LAN card of the computer.

On the other hand, when the user does not make a call through the public telephone network, when the switch (SW; see Fig. 9) is switched to the normal telephone call mode (Telephone), the switch unit 120 connects to the analog telephone line 14 ( Lg and Lh are connected to connection lines Le and Lf with external public telephone lines PL. Thereby, the general telephone call path from the analog telephone 14 to the switch unit 120 and the public telephone line PL is formed. Thus, the telephone 14 is in a state capable of being connected with the public telephone network PSTN.

Here, the apparatus 100A is provided with a power supply unit 160 for supplying power to each circuit unit. The power supply unit 160 receives and converts external AC power through the connector 170 as shown in the drawing. The DC power supply may be configured to supply a circuit requiring power. Alternatively, a predetermined DC power converted from the external power adapter is input through the connector 170 to configure DC power to supply a circuit requiring power, or to supply DC power to a circuit requiring power using a battery without receiving external power. It may be configured to supply.

On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, the rectifier circuit portion 162 for rectifying the power on the telephone line by connecting to the lines Le and Lf connected to the public telephone line PL and the DC output power supply of the rectifier circuit portion 162 are connected. A charging circuit unit 164 for discharging a rechargeable battery may be provided, and the power charged in the rechargeable battery may be supplied to a circuit that requires power during an internet telephone call.

6 is a diagram showing another example of the block configuration for the Internet dial-up device 100 of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same components as in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

The difference from the apparatus 100A of FIG. 4 in this connection device 100B is a ring signal detection unit 132 for detecting a ring signal on the public telephone line PL, and an alarm signal for generating an alarm signal when detecting a ring signal. The generator 136, the alarm element 137 that operates according to the alarm signal of the alarm signal generator 136, and a call circuit are formed according to the user's choice when detecting a ring signal and stand by on the public telephone line PL. While driving and controlling the alarm generating unit 136 according to the signal from the ring signal detecting unit 132 and the standby signal sound generating unit 138 for generating a beeping sound, the user recognizes the driving of the alarm element 137. When the button BU (see FIG. 9) installed on the exterior of the device is pressed, the control unit 134 for driving control of the standby beep generator 138 and the switch unit 120 interlock with each other according to the switch switching of the switch unit 120. 9) is switched to the Internet phone mode, the public telephone line PL is connected to the ring signal detection unit 122. And, it is that the switch (SW) when the switch to the phone call mode, the relay unit 122 to release the connection of the public telephone line (PL) and the ring signal detector 122 are also provided. Here, the alarm element 137 (see Fig. 9) is preferably composed of a display element such as a light emitting diode or a sounding element such as a buzzer installed on the exterior of the device.

In the connection device 100A of Fig. 4, the public pay phone line is released at the time of the internet call connection. In the connection device 100B, the public telephone line PL is ringed by the relay 122 at the time of the internet phone call. Since it is connected to the detection circuit 132, this apparatus 100B maintains the connection standby state with the public telephone network PSTN via the public telephone line PL.

Therefore, when a telephone connection request is made through the public telephone network (PSTN) during an Internet telephone call through the apparatus 100B, a computer, and a dedicated line using the telephone 14, the ring signal detection unit 132 detects a ring signal. The controller 134 transmits the detection result to the controller 134, and the controller 134 drives and controls the alarm signal generator 136. Accordingly, the alarm signal generator 136 drives the alarm device installed in the exterior of the device 100B to notify the user that there is a telephone connection request through the public telephone network. Therefore, when the user recognizes this and presses a button BU (see FIG. 9) installed on the exterior of the apparatus, the controller 134 recognizes this and drives the standby beep generator 138 to control the standby beep generator 138. By forming a communication path with the other party, and outputs a waiting signal on the public telephone line PL.

Then, when the user recognizes the telephone request through the public telephone network and switches the switch (SW) (see Fig. 9) to the general telephone call mode, the line (Lg, Lh) on the telephone 14 side and the public telephone line PL side At the same time as the connection of the lines Le and Lf is made, the connection of the relay 122 is released, and the call with the called party is made through the public telephone line PL and the public telephone network PSTN.

In the apparatus 100B shown in FIG. 6, a power supply unit may be configured similarly to that described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 to supply power to a circuit configuration requiring power. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may comprise the connector 175 as shown in FIG.

7 is a view for explaining another example of the alarm signal generating means (136, 137) of FIG. 6, the alarm signal generating means in this example is an alarm sound (call to the user through a public telephone network under the control of the control unit 134) And an alarm signal generation unit 136 'for outputting, for example, an intermittent beep as a notification that the request has been received, and a signal synthesizing unit 139 for synthesizing the alarm sound on an Internet telephone call path.

In the example of the figure, the signal synthesis is performed on the signal line between the connector 140 and the signal conversion section 130 corresponding to the line La connected to the audio output terminal of the sound card S / C. May be configured to perform signal synthesis of the alarm sound at another part on the Internet telephone call path in the network.

Therefore, according to the structure of this example, when the telephone connection request is made through the public telephone network (PSTN) at the time of the Internet telephone call through the apparatus 100B, the computer and the leased line using the telephone 14, The alarm sound is transmitted to the user through the handset of the telephone 14, thereby making the user more certain that there is a dial-up request over the public telephone network.

In the apparatus 100B shown in FIG. 7, the power supply unit may be configured similarly to that described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 to supply power to a circuit configuration requiring power. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may comprise the connector 175 as shown in FIG.

Next, an Internet telephone access apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the Internet telephone access device 200 of the present invention is applied to a personal computer 10 including a modem card (M / C) 22M for connecting to the Internet network through a modem. The connection device 200 is connected to an analog telephone 14, a sound card (S / C) 20 of a computer 10, a public telephone line PL, and a modem card 22M of a computer 10, respectively. .

In the device 200 of Fig. 8, the connector 220 for connection with the modem card 22M of the computer 10 and the switch unit 120 are interlocked according to the switch switching, so that the switch SW (see Fig. 9) is connected to the Internet. When the phone mode is switched, the modem line ML and the public telephone line PL are connected through the connector 220. When the switch SW (see FIG. 9) is switched to the normal phone call mode, the line of the switch unit 120 ( The relay unit 240 which connects Le, Lf) and the public telephone line PL is further provided.

When the user wants to make a call through the internet network, the switch unit 120 switches the analog phone 14 as the switch (SW; FIG. 9) installed in the exterior of the device 100B (not shown) changes to the Internet phone mode. The connection lines Lg and Lh to the connection lines Lc and Ld to the signal conversion unit 130 are connected to each other, and the relay 240 connects the public telephone line PL and the modem line ML in association with each other. Done. Accordingly, in the analog phone 14, the switch unit 120, the signal conversion unit 130, the computer sound card (S / C), the modem card 22M, the modem line (ML), the relay 240, the public Through the telephone line PL, a call path is formed with an Internet service provider through a public telephone network. Here, the user can access the web server providing the Internet phone service through the computer and make an Internet phone call with the other party through the modem card of the computer.

On the other hand, when the user does not make a call through the Internet network, if the switch (SW; see Fig. 9) is switched to the normal telephone call mode, the switch unit 120 connects the connection lines Lg and Lh with the analog telephone 14. ) Is connected to the connection line (Le, Lf) with the external public telephone line (PL), and in conjunction with this, the relay 240 connects the lines (Le, Lf) to the public telephone line (PL). Thereby, the telephone line of the public telephone network from the analog telephone 14 to the switch unit 120, the relay 240, and the public telephone line PL is formed. Thus, the telephone 14 is in a connected state with the public telephone network PSTN.

In the apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 8, the power supply unit may be configured similarly to that described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 to supply power to a circuit configuration requiring power. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, you may comprise the connector 175 as shown in FIG.

The Internet telephone connection apparatus described above can be manufactured as shown in Fig. 9, and the telephone can be placed on the connection apparatus 100 or 200 on the table as shown in Fig. 10. In FIG. 9, a switch SW, an alarm element 137, and a button BU are installed on the front of the apparatus, and external connection connectors 175, 150, 140, and 110 are shown on the side of the apparatus 100,200. For convenience of understanding, the connectors are preferably installed on the rear surface opposite to the front surface where the switch SW and the like are installed.

Meanwhile, in the above embodiments, a personal computer is described as an example of a terminal device connected to the Internet network. However, the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, but may be connected to another device connected to the Internet network, for example, the Internet. It is also applicable to televisions and set-top boxes for Internet access.

As described above, according to the present invention, the problems associated with wearing a headset or the like can be solved as in the prior art, and an internet phone terminal such as an analog phone and a personal computer can be connected by using a simple and inexpensive Internet telephone connection device. In addition to making Internet phone calls, you can also make regular phone calls over public telephone networks. In addition, if the connection device of the present invention is manufactured in the form of a small kit, the arrangement of the telephone and the device of the present invention can be simplified even in an office environment.

Claims (7)

In the telephone connection device which can be connected to a personal computer which can be dialed through a web server of the Internet network and can be connected to an analog telephone A first call path for transmitting and receiving a voice signal to and from said personal computer at the time of Internet telephone connection through said personal computer; A second call path for transmitting and receiving a voice signal with the analog telephone; It is provided between the first call path and the second call path, and converts and outputs a voice signal from the analog telephone into a voice input signal to the personal computer, and outputs a voice signal from the personal computer to the analog telephone. A signal converter converting the voice input signal and outputting the voice input signal; A third call path connectable to an external public telephone network; Connection switching means for switching the connection between the second call path and the third call path and the connection between the first call path and the second call path; A ring signal detector for detecting a ring signal from a public telephone network on the third call path; Alarm generating means for generating an alarm in accordance with a detection result of the ring signal detector; Detection driving means for making the ring signal detection unit operate in one of an active state and an inactive state according to a call transfer state of the connection switching means; And a standby signal tone generating means for generating a standby tone on the third call path according to a user's selection when a ring signal is detected by the ring signal detector when the first call path is connected to the second call path. Internet dial-up device, characterized in that configured. delete delete The method of claim 1, The personal computer is connected to the internet network through a LAN, A first connector to which a signal line between the first call path and an analog audio input / output terminal of the personal computer is detachably connected; A second connector to which the telephone line between the second call path and the telephone is detachably connected; And a third connector to which the signal line between the third call path and the public telephone network is detachably connected. delete The method of claim 1, And the alarm generating means is configured to output an alarm sound on the first call path. The method of claim 1, The personal computer is connected to the Internet network through a modem, A first connector to which a signal line between the first call path and an analog audio input / output terminal of the personal computer is detachably connected; A second connector to which the telephone line between the second call path and the telephone is detachably connected; A third connector to which the signal line between the third call path and the public telephone network is detachably connected; A fourth connector to which the signal line from the modem is detachably connected; And switching means for switching the connection between the third call path and the third connector and the connection between the third connector and the fourth connector.